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A Little ... Well ok...Big Announcement

August 28, 2012

I have been toying with how to break the news to you... Late at night, I would design some cute picture involving the husband and the pups, just the pups, just the husband but of course, I always ran out of time. It's been a whirlwind since May. Workshops, cookbook shoots, some editorial shoots. Lots of travel. Lots of packing and unpacking.

Well...there will be one more big swoop of packing. But not a couple of suitcases. A few many boxes actually.

We are moving!To Birmingham, Alabama...!

No, Bill did not take a job there. I did.

I am completely stocked and thrilled to announce that I am the new Senior Photographer for Oxmoor House, cookbook publisher of titles such as Southern Living, Cooking Light, Health, Sunset.

Now can I do this? : !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Never mind...I just did!!!!! (and more)

If you know me well, you know that I am right now smiling wide but quietly while inside, I am jumping up and down like a crazy woman. I get to photograph all sorts of cookbooks throughout the week. Different titles, styles, authors, recipes. A dream.

Oxmoor House emailed and asked me if I would consider coming down for a test shoot for the position. I flew to Birmingham, test shot for two days with super nice, creative and dedicated art director, food stylists, prop stylists, photographers, etc.... My excitement and desire to be part of the team grew stronger. But I knew I had to put this in the back of my head. There was Ireland coming up, then Seattle, a couple of cookbooks and editorials to be photographed. More workshops.

Then finally last week, I heard the news that I had gotten the job. I called my parents and told them the news. My mom asked "is that good?". I laughed so hard. Nerves. "Yes, mom. It's really good." For the first time, it hit me. The reality of the future ahead.

So yes, we are relocating. We are both super excited, not only about the job but about the possibilities ahead. New places to see, new friends to be made. New favorite hang outs to find.

It's all good...

I hope you are smiling along with us. I will continue to blog, but bear with me as I make the transition to another rhythm and city. It might take me a few days to get my bearings when it happens next months.

A huge "Thank You" to Matt, Clare, Tami, Anita and Laura. You guys know why and how much you mean to me. Love you bundles.

I just love it when people share exciting news. I am jumping up and down with and share your huge happy grin. What a fantastic opportunity and I know you will do terrific and are ready for this next chapter! How do I know...when I don't even know you?? Because we just follow your blog...and it's wonderful.

Congratulations!!!, that good news XD, I am very happy for you, I love your photos and you are a great inspiration to me so I'm very very happy for you, I hope that this change will bring many joys and blessings to you.

Wow! That's huge! Congratulations Helene! :)I have to say that you have been my biggest inspiration - almost 2 years ago when I started my own blog as well now, when I'm taking my first steps as a young food photographer here in Estonia, yep, that far far away from U.S. :)I've been admiring your blog and your work for years. I feel like there is so much to say, but..don't know exactly how to put them... I was really excited to read those lines and imagining how it must feel when your dreams (that you almost never dared to dream of), start coming true! I'm so happy for you, I know what it takes and I wish you both all the best in this new exciting journey! Congratulations again! Enjoy! :))

Oh, Helene! I am SO smiling along with you! Congratulations on living this wonderful dream, and good luck to you and Bill as you relocate from your beloved Charleston to your new home. Such marvelous news!

Super big congratulations to you. It's wonderful to see how putting beautiful work into the world can create beautiful opportunities. Thank you for sharing the good news and inspiring us to keep on working hard to create pretty things!

Wishing you all the best in your new adventure! I was born and raised in Birmingham (currently live in Atlanta) and it took leaving for me to fully appreciate everything that (truly) magic city has to offer! You will find so many amazing foodie places to check out and day trips to Florence and Muscle Shoals are a must! :)

Congratulations all the way from Cape Town South Africa. I feel like you are my virtual photography teacher as I have read your book twice and love your blog.All the best of luck with your new venture.Sam

Congratulations! I'm such a huge fan of your blog, and I'm actually from Birmingham (but now live in NYC), so was so thrilled to see this post! My best friend also just started working at Oxmoor House, so I hope she gets to meet and work with you. Let me know if you want any suggestions about the city!

That is so exciting!! I'm such a huge fan of your blog and your work, and I actually grew up in Birmingham (my parents still live there), so I was thrilled to see this post! My best friend Jena just started working there as well, so I hope you get to meet her. Please let me know if you want any suggestions or have any questions about the city!

I grew up in central Alabama, and went to college in Tuscaloosa, so I'll be interested to find out your take on the move! Beware: It's going to be MUCH hotter there than the coast! LOL

I hope that you'll still do workshops from time to time...with my family all still in Alabama, I could actually reasonably make it to a workshop since I can leave my daughter the hour away with my parents!

(Get ready for the fall to be football crazy. I know here in SC we love our ball, but it's like a whole different animal down there!!)

That is great news. You inspired me for years and I aspire to reach some great achievements myself soon. So keep going and live your dream. Hope you will keep up the blog though. We will miss you if you stay away. Hugs from Montreal Canada. Bonne chance!!

Congratulations, Helene! My hometown is Birmingham and I grew up reading Southern Living, drooling over the food photos. Although I've not lived in the south for more than 20 years, I still consider myself a southerner and eagerly await each month's issue so I can check out the recipes. I hope you can influence them to do more gluten-free food!

Absolutely congratulations! Your photographs are always elegant and beautiful, making the food look ever more scrumptious and refined. Sounds like you ar perfect for this amazing job! And I love Cooking Light! : )

Congratulations!! I'm from Birmingham, and it is a great city. The food scene there has sky rocketed!! There are so many restaurants I absolutely love!!! I know you didn't ask, but the best areas to live are Mountain Brook/Homewood!!!

Dear HeleneI have been reading your blog but never post a comment. When I read this new, trust me, I feel very, very happy for your achievement.I work as a photographer , and also love food photo. I wish you all the best and hope some day I will meet you personally .Iara Venanzi

Wowwww that is just so awesome!!! God bless you on this journey to transition!! It's so exciting, and I feel like I'm jumping for joy on behalf of you...or almost like I'M the one going through it--lol! Keep us updated on your new position~